U.S. patent number 7,976,211 [Application Number 11/938,131] was granted by the patent office on 2011-07-12 for light bulb utilizing a replaceable led light source.
Invention is credited to Densen Cao.
United States Patent |
7,976,211 |
Cao |
July 12, 2011 |
Light bulb utilizing a replaceable LED light source
Abstract
The present invention is a light bulb featuring a removable LED
light source. The preferred source being a lighting source with a
three dimensional lead frame as disclosed in the parent
applications to this application. Control circuitry is included to
convert electrical power into power usable by the LEDs.
Inventors: |
Cao; Densen (Sandy, UT) |
Family
ID: |
46329806 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/938,131 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080062703 A1 |
Mar 13, 2008 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11397323 |
Apr 4, 2006 |
7728345 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/650;
362/649 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21K
9/232 (20160801); F21V 3/02 (20130101); H01L
33/62 (20130101); H01L 25/0753 (20130101); H01L
2924/0002 (20130101); F21Y 2107/40 (20160801); H01L
2924/01078 (20130101); F21W 2121/00 (20130101); F21Y
2115/10 (20160801); H01L 2924/01004 (20130101); H01L
2924/01079 (20130101); H01L 33/486 (20130101); H01L
2924/0002 (20130101); H01L 2924/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
33/945 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/649,650,651 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Pending U.S. Appl. No. 12/785,203, Office Action dated Nov. 2,
2010. cited by other .
Pending U.S. Appl. No. 12/731,939, Office Action dated Nov. 8,
2010. cited by other .
Pending U.S. Appl. No. 12/296,274, Office Action dated Jan. 6,
2011. cited by other .
PCT Application, Serial No. PCT/US2007/065995, Written Opinion of
the International Searching Authority, Jun. 20, 2008. cited by
other.
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Primary Examiner: Bruce; David V
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/397,323, filed Apr. 4, 2006, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,728,345, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/773,123, filed Feb. 5, 2004, now abandoned,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/938,875,
filed Aug. 24, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,885. Each of these
patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A light bulb, comprising: a. a removable LED light source; b. a
removable cover; c. a socket base capable of receiving the cover;
d. control circuitry within the socket base; e. an interior
mounting structure, having at least one face, for receiving the LED
light source, said structure located at least partially within the
socket base inside the cover; and f. operable electrical
connections between the socket base and control circuitry and
between the control circuitry and the LED light source.
2. The light bulb of claim 1, the removable LED light source and
the mounting structure interfacing through an interlock
interface.
3. The light bulb of claim 1, the mounting structure being
permanently affixed within the socket base.
4. The light bulb of claim 1, the mounting structure being
removable from the socket base.
5. The light bulb of claim 1, the mounting structure having a
polygonal profile with n faces, n being an integer larger than
2.
6. The light bulb of claim 1, the removable LED light source being
at least 1 removable LED.
7. The light bulb of claim 5, the removable LED light source being
a plurality of removable LEDS that are mounted upon a plain
surface.
8. The light bulb of claim 5, the removable LED light source being
a plurality of removable LEDs selectively mounted so that at least
one LED light source is mounted upon each face of the mounting
structure.
9. The light bulb of claim 1, the cover having a texture selected
from the set of textures consisting of clear and frosted.
10. The light bulb of claim 1, the cover having a type of shape
selected from the set of shapes consisting of types A, G, D, R, FL,
SP, and PAR.
11. The light bulb of claim 1, the socket base being selected from
the set of bases consisting of candelabra screw bases, plug in
bases, and base types MES, Be, G4, GY 4, and R7s-75.
12. The light bulb of claim 1, the LED light source being capable
of emitting light in an arc of between 5.degree. and 360.degree.,
inclusively, in a horizontal plain and arc between 5.degree. and
360.degree., inclusively, in a vertical plain.
13. A light bulb, comprising: a. a removable LED light source b. a
mounting structure for receiving the removable LED light source; c.
electronic control circuitry to provide the electrical control to
drive the removable LED light source; d. a housing to contain the
mounting structure and electronic control circuitry; e. a standard
light bulb base connected to the housing to facilitate the
connection of the light bulb to a standard light bulb socket; and
f. operable electrical connections between the light bulb base,
electronic control circuitry and mounting structure so as to
provide electrical power to the removable LED light source.
14. The light bulb of claim 13, the removable LED light source and
the mounting structure interfacing through an interlock
interface.
15. The light bulb of claim 13, the mounting structure being
permanently affixed within the housing.
16. The light bulb of claim 13, the mounting structure being
removable from the housing.
17. The light bulb of claim 13, the mounting structure having a
polygonal profile with n faces, n being an integer larger than
2.
18. The light bulb of claim 13, the removable LED light source
being a number of removable LEDs equal to n, which is an integer
equal or larger than 1.
19. The light bulb of claim 18, wherein the number of removable
LEDs are mounted in a plain surface.
20. The light bulb of claim 18, the number of removable LEDs being
selectively mounted on up to n faces of the mounting structure.
21. The light bulb of claim 13, the standard light bulb base being
selected from the set of bases consisting of candelabra screw
bases, plug in bases, and base types MES, BC, G4, GY 4, and
R7s-75.
22. The light bulb of claim 13 further comprising a cover, the
housing being capable of receiving said cover.
23. The light bulb of claim 22, the cover having a texture selected
from the set of textures consisting of clear and frosted.
24. The light bulb of claim 22, the cover having a type of shape
selected from the set of shapes consisting of types A, G, D, R, FL,
SP, and PAR.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of lighting sources and
more particularly relates to a light bulb, usable in standard
incandescent lighting fixtures and also utilizing a replaceable LED
as a lighting source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Since Edison's invention of the incandescent lamp, lighting has
never been the same. The "light bulb," as they have come to be
known, is perhaps one of the most ubiquitous and most little
thought of elements in modern society. The whole system has become
standardized in design and construction so that standard sockets
are installed in new homes that will fit a standard bulb, lamps use
standard bulbs of a given size, and new lighting fixtures feature
sockets fitting whatever type of standard bulb the purchaser
desires. The technology is very simple and light bulbs are mass
produced to the point where consumers think nothing of just
throwing away burnt out bulbs and going to the local grocery store
to buy more.
However, society has become more energy and recourse conscious. As
a result, consumers demand more efficient and longer lasting
lighting solutions. Some governments are even considering banning
incandescent bulbs. To this effect, halogen and compact fluorescent
bulbs have been developed for consumer use. Halogens,
unfortunately, do not use the standard bulb sockets that are
present in almost every home and office. Compact fluorescents do
use standard sockets and do use less energy, but they tend to be
larger and are also meant to be disposed as a unit when the bulb
reaches the end of its useful life. The disposal of the compact
fluorescence lamp also results in environmental issues since they
contain mercury.
LED's have recently been investigated as more efficient and
environmental friendly light source. The present invention is an
LED sourced light bulb where the LEDs are mounted upon a stable and
replaceable frame, thereby reducing resources lost in disposal and
associated cost. The present invention represents a departure from
the prior art in that the light bulbs of the present invention
allows for replacement of just the LED light source while retaining
the majority of the body of the bulb. The present invention may be
adapted for any type of socket interface, and it is preferred to
use the standard light bulb socket, which would allow for
interchange with the majority of sockets in the US and
worldwide.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types
of light bulbs, this invention provides a light bulb utilizing an
LED lighting source. As such, the present invention's general
purpose is to provide a new and improved light bulb that is useable
in standard light sockets available today while having most of its
components reusable when the LED components eventually fail. It is
also part of the invention's purpose to allow for the efficient use
of LEDs, that is that there is maximum dissipation of heat
generated by the LEDs for their most efficient use.
To accomplish these objectives, the light bulb comprises a socket
base, an LED light source that is removable from the base and a
removable cover. Control circuitry resides within the socket base
to control the LEDs and regulate the power supply. Ideally, a
removable inner socket is provided as an intermediary between the
socket base and the LED lighting source.
The more important features of the invention have thus been
outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows
may be better understood and in order that the present contribution
to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the
invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject
matter of the claims that follow.
Many objects of this invention will appear from the following
description and appended claims, reference being made to the
accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein
like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the
several views.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a light bulb according to the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in partial transparency, of the light
bulb of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a down-lighting light bulb according
to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view, in partial transparency, of the light
bulb of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a decorative, candelabra style light
bulb according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view, in partial transparency, of the light
bulb of FIG. 5.
FIGS. 7a through 7f are schematics of a number of possible lead
frame shapes for use in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the
light bulb is herein described. It should be noted that the
articles "a", "an", and "the", as used in this specification,
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
With reference to FIG. 1, depicting a standard light bulb 100 with
an LED light source 104, having a cover 101 (type A), which can be
glass or transparent plastic and a light base 102. Base 102 houses
control circuitry and other components necessary for the function
of the LEDs and it has a threaded portion 103, which screws into a
standard light socket. The replaceable LED unit 104, which
disclosed in parent U.S. application Ser. No. 11/397,323, resides
within the bulb cover, mounted upon an internal socket 105 which
mates with both the LED unit 104 and the inside of the light base
102. The socket 105 also acts as heat sink to dissipate the heat
from LED. LED unit may be any type of unit in the prior art or
later designed, however it is preferred to use LED units such as
described in this Application's ancestor applications and patents.
In this depicted embodiment, the LED unit 104 will emit light in an
arc from 5 to 360.degree. in the horizontal plane and from a 5 to
360.degree. arc in the vertical plane, which is comparable to a
standard incandescent light bulb.
The construction of the bulb is relatively simple, as shown in FIG.
2. Cover 201 features a threaded base 202 which screws into threads
212 in the socket base 211. LED unit 203 is at least one
replaceable LED with a three dimensional lead frame 204, a threaded
base/electrode 205, and another electrode pin 206. Threaded base
205 screws into internal socket 207 through hole 209. While shown
as threaded, it should be understood that any interlocking
structure will suffice to keep the LED mounted. The internal socket
207 features a threaded base 208 to mate with threads 212 and
attach to the socket base 211, under cover 201. When assembled,
electrical connector 210 connects to electrode 206. Socket base 211
is features a standard threaded base 213 and houses an electronic
circuit 214 to convert 110 or 220 VAC to DC to drive the LED.
Electronic circuit 214 has outputs 215 and 216 to LED electrodes
and also has outputs 217 and 218 to the threaded base. To increase
total light output intensity, the number of replaceable LED can be
ranged from 1 to n, which is an integer larger than 1. LED unit 203
may be either removable or fixed within the internal socket.
In this embodiment, the number of replaceable LEDs as a light
source can be 1 to n, which is an integer larger than 1. When the
number of LEDs is larger than 1, the LEDs can be mounted along with
socket in different angles to achieve different lighting effects.
It should also be understood that the cover 201 may be made in a
fixed, non-removable, relationship with the socket base 21, though
this would preclude LED replacement.
FIG. 3 depicts a light bulb embodiment that is a down lighting
light with a replaceable LED 300 (type R) with an LED light source
304, having a reflecting cup 301 as a cover which can be glass or
transparent plastic and a light base 302. Reflecting cup features a
cover or lens 306 to help beam dispersion and reflector protection.
Like the first embodiment, base 302 houses control circuitry and
other components necessary for the function of the LEDs and it has
a threaded portion 303, which screws into a standard light socket.
The replaceable LED unit 304 resides within the bulb cover, mounted
upon an internal socket 305 which mates with both the LED unit 304
and the inside of the light base 302. The socket 305 also act heat
sink to dissipate the heat from LED. The construction of the bulb
is shown in FIG. 4. Cover 402 features lens 401 a threaded base 403
which screws into threads 413 in the socket base 412. LED unit 404
is a replaceable LED with a three dimensional lead frame 405, a
threaded base/electrode 406, and another electrode pin 407.
Threaded base 406 screws into internal socket 408 through hole 410.
The internal socket 408 features a threaded base 409 to mate with
threads 413 and attach to the socket base 412, under cover 402.
When assembled, electrical connector 411 connects to electrode 407.
Socket base 412 is features a standard threaded base 414 and houses
an electronic circuit 415 to convert 110 or 220 VAC to DC to drive
the LED. Electronic circuit 415 has outputs 416 and 417 to LED
electrodes and also has outputs 418 and 419 to the threaded base.
As before, to increase total light output intensity, the number of
replaceable LEDs can be ranged from 1 to n, which is an integer
larger than 1.
FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a decorative candelabra style bulb 500 (type
D) and the same bulb 600 in an exploded view. The configuration is
similar to the bulb depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the only real
change being the shape of the cover 601. The components illustrated
are then similarly numbered as their counterparts in FIGS. 1 and 2
and otherwise function and relate in the same manner. As
illustrated, the covers may be of any shape used in the industry
today, or later. These shape types include: General ("A"), Globe
("G"), Decorative ("D"--which includes candelabra, teardrop and
other imaginative shapes), and reflector bulbs (having a reflective
coating inside the bulb), including General Reflectors ("R"),
Floods ("FL"), Spots ("SP"), and Parabolic Reflectors ("PAR").
Also, covers may be made of textured material, including plain (or
no texture) or frosted material, as is also known in the industry
today.
In all above different embodiment, the total number of replaceable
LEDs can be 1 to n, which is larger than 1. When multiple
replaceable LEDs are used, the LEDs can mounted in either on a
plain or different angle or different shape of the base.
The replaceable LEDs used in the invention is a light source to
emit light in different directions due to its lead frame design as
described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/397,323. The shape of the
lead frame for LED light source may vary according to purpose. FIG.
7 depicts a number of possible lead frame shapes on which LED chips
are mounted. The different shapes of lead frame for LED can serve
different applications. For instance, an LED could be mounted on
all sides but the long side of the shape in FIG. 7b, which would
provide light in an arc less than 360.degree. (n less than the
number of faces). Multiple LEDs (n greater than the number of
faces) could also be mounted upon the same face, even if LEDs are
not mounted upon all faces, providing more light.
Actual structuring of the bulbs according to the present invention
then is a simple matter. The socket base is depicted in the Figures
to fit in a standard Edison screw-type light socket ("MES") with
its threaded portion. The base may of course be made to fit any
type of lighting interface, including the candelabra screw base, as
used in nightlights and other small lights, the simple plug in
variety used in strings of mini lights (typically used for
Christmas trees), the double contact bayonet cap ("BC") and current
halogen fittings G4, GY4, and R7s-75. Adapting the disclosed
preferred embodiment to fit these fittings should be intuitive for
those skilled in the art.
In use, the current passes into the threaded portion of the socket
base and into the control circuitry. The control circuitry then
converts the AC current on to DC current to power the LEDs and
passes the current into the interior socket which, in turn, passes
the current to the LED light source and the individual LEDs. The
light sources depicted and considered best mode of use in this
Application are those depicted in parent Applications and feature a
plurality of LEDs mounted on a lead frame in a manner to cast light
in a 360 degree arc (though less than 360 degrees is possible, and
may be desired, through limited placement of the LEDs on the lead
frame). The lead frame provides adequate heat dissipation, physical
mounting and electrical contact to the LEDs. When the LEDs
eventually burn out (which would be many times longer than any bulb
on the market today), the consumer merely removes the bulb from
electrical contact and then removes the cover by merely twisting it
off. The light source is then removed from the internal socket and
replaced. The cover is replaces and the bulb returned to its
original socket. The majority of the components are preserved,
leading to less resource waste. It is possible for the internal
socket to be permanently affixed to the socket base (with either a
physical stop, an adhesive or a soldiered connection) as well as
being able to be removed.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be
made and still the result will come within the scope of the
invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments
disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
* * * * *